18 July 2006
Following the detection of the H5N2 strain of Avian Influenza north-west of
Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, surveillance procedures have been carried out
within a twenty kilometre radius around infected properties. It is important to
note that the inspections and laboratory tests have revealed that the outbreak
has remained limited to a couple of adjacent properties. The virus has been
classified as type H5N2 which is not known to infect humans unlike the H5N1
virus that has caused disease in humans in Asia, Europe and North Africa.
Good progress has been made in following the required steps necessary to
eliminate the disease from infected properties. One of these is the suspension
of the export of ostrich meat from the Mossel Bay and Riversdale districts.
The temporary ban on all movements of ostriches and all types of
domesticated poultry through, within, into and out of the affected area remains
in place. The area referred to is situated between the N2 national road in the
south and the Langeberg mountain range in the north. The R323 between the N2 at
Riversdale and the Garcia Pass and the R328 between the N2 at Hartenbos and the
Robinson Pass form the boundaries of the area in the west and east
respectively.
Although the roads mentioned above form the geographical boundaries of the
area they do not form part of the quarantined area. Movement of ostriches and
poultry along these roads may take place on condition that the movements do not
originate or terminate in the area defined above.
The full co-operation of all role players, including the ostrich industry,
has ensured that the outbreak remained confined to a very limited area.
It must be emphasised that the virus does not affect humans in any way and
that all commercially available South African ostrich and poultry products are
safe for human consumption.
For further information contact:
Steve Galane
Tel: 012 319 7312
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: smais@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
18 July 2006
